The Lofoten Islands

13 DAYS - Level of difficulty TOUGH - GROUP of 5 to 15 people - ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: Bodo Airport

Imagine the craggiest summits of the Alps rising out of the sea; now imagine that behind these bastions lie gentle meadows where sheep graze, fishing villages huddling in the smallest creek, fine sandy beaches and water that turns green or turquoise in the sun. You will now have an idea of the sights that await you in these islands. Ten varied hikes will enable you to discover this archipelago which lies more than 300 km inside the arctic circle...

DAY BY DAY

Day 1: arrival at Bodø and transfer by high-speed boat to Svolvær in the north of the Lofoten Islands, then transfer by bus to the small hamlet of Sandsletta. Settle in for three nights in small norwegian cabins ("hytte").

Day 2: today we leave for a beautiful hike to the summit of Matmora (788 m). A trail along the ridge takes us to the summit which is often covered with snow until June. From the top we'll have a fantastic panorama on the Norwegian Sea and the surrounding fjords.

Day 3: the hike to the peak of Blålyngen is little-known. A small path takes us to a shark fin-looking top overlooking a large body of water. The itinerary goes through very wild landscapes, between lakes and streams...

Day 4: after a short transfer to the town of Svolvær we start a spectacular hike that will take us to the steep summit of Kongstinden. After the climb, transfer from Svolvær to our accommodation in Stamsund where we settle for the next three nights.

Day 5: today we climb to the top of Justadtinden. A nice hike which climbs gradually above the beautiful plain of Leknes. The trail follows a succession of ridges offering beautiful views of the coastal scenery typical of the archipelago.

Day 6: this day is spent on a quite alpin hike (near our refuge) on which we follow a track along the ridges that offers beautiful views over Stamsund's harbor and the Vestfjord.

Day 7: after a short transfer we begin a beautiful hike that will lead to the top of Guratinden. On the way we will cross one of the rare forests of Vestvågøya Island. The climb is progressive at the start, before the slope gets steeper all the way up to a pass from where the view over the Vestfjord is breathtaking. Access to the summit follows a beautiful ridgeline with a 360° view. In the afternoon transfer to the fishermen village of Ballstad, were we settle in for two nights.

Day 8: this day is spent hiking to the top of Nonstinden. At the summit we discover an alpine pasture (Ballstadheia). It’s one of the most beautiful panoramic views of our journey! We have a view over the entire archipelago of the Lofoten Islands. Picnic at the top, then head back along the coast in the afternoon.

Day 9: departure directly from our accommodation. Aftern passing a few lakes, we reach the end of the valley of Kyllingdalen where the ascent to the summit of Breidtinden begins. At the top, we'll discover a magnificent panorama over Nappsstraumen, a powerful stream separating the islands of Vestvågøya and Flakstadøya.

Day 10: tansfer to the village of Fredvang on the island of Moskenesøya and settle in for two nights. From the village, we leave for a hike to the wild bay of Stokkvika. As an option: it is possible to climb all the way to the summit of Fyglehuken (557 m), if the weather and the conditions of the participants permits.

Day 11: we head off for Whale Beach (Kvalvika). This place is impressive due to both its isolated setting and the black granite cliffs that surround it. It was inhabited until the 19th century by a family of fishermen. The recklessly daring might try a dip in the Norwegian sea, before picnic. Return via a pass then hike between a numbers of pretty small lakes.

Day 12: in late morning, transfer to Moskenes and a ferry to Bodø where we settle in for a night in a hotel in the town center.

Day 13: in the morning, transfer to Bodø airport and return to France/Europe.

* A quotation will be made for every demand. Registration fees are included in the prices. Prices does not include flight and may be subject to changes depending on exchange rate (Euro/NOK).

**Travel insurance is required to participate to our trips. If you already have your own insurance coverage, we will ask you to provide us a copy during registration. We can also provide you with a travel insurance (Europ Assistance). The amount of the insurance we provide correspond to 3.65% of total tour price.

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High points

Arrival by ferry to the islands

A wide variety of hikes, fruit of a long experience

10 days of sporty hikes on the 3 largest islands of the archipelago

Traditional accommodations

Level of difficulty?

moderate to tough -minimum 800 m of total uphill climb/day. 7 to 6 hours’ walk per day.> Keys to success: capable of exercising one hour every other or third day (endurance sport - jogging, swimming, tennis, etc.). Mountain trekking or hiking experience. Capable of adapting to difficult conditions (weather, simple accommodation, etc.) and of maintaining a quite high level of endurance.

Traveller reviews

"The trip to the Lofoten Islands was superb and unforgettable, it is a magical place and the ten hikes are not to be missed. In addition, we could clearly watch northern lights. Luc was an excellent guide: He knows his job very well. A dream trip that must be offered as a gift for mind and body."

"Very good mix of the Lofoten Islands with a glimpse of almost all the islands, very good organization, plans B for the hikes when bad weather, impeccable meals, perfect stay, and of course when there are northern lights, it's even better ...."

"Great trip, the landscape with autumn colors is beautiful. Despite rainy weather, we could observe northern lights. (The guide) managed the group very well by creating a great atmosphere, and provided a wide range of varied, good and balanced meals, the itinerary is well designed as well, alternating different types of routes and landscapes, the northern lights are great. The group left for a fishing trip at sea, it is an experience not to be missed."

"Very good. A small disappointment independent of you: the peaks were often in the fog .. I might come back to have a little more sun. [The guide]: Pleasant, always smiling, competent, very concerned of everyone ... certainly one of the best, if not the best guide I have had during my various trips."

"Very satisfied with the trip. Everything worked as expected. Useful that the programme schedule could be changed a little to adapt to the weather. Stamsund was very informal and welcoming. Good to meet other travellers and the impromptu fishing trip with Roar was really memorable."

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